Hannah Erwin, MSW, CSW
As I’m writing this, it’s early February, and it’s cold ya’ll. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow earlier this week, indicating there are still six more weeks of winter ahead. If you’re like me, you may not want to put all your faith in a groundhog’s weather predictions. But hey, south central Kentucky did get a little snow this week. So who knows how much longer the winter weather may stick around? I don’t particularly love the cold, but if there’s one thing I do enjoy this time of year, it is this. Let me set the scene. I put on the baggiest sweatpants and hoodie I own and cuddle up with my four-legged fur child under the fuzziest blanket on the couch. The house is warm, and Netflix is playing on the TV. In my lap is the quilted bowl cozy my momma made for me two Christmases ago, and in it is my favorite homemade chicken noodle soup. You know the kind that warms you up from the inside out?
That cozy daydream feeds my soul. You know what I mean…when something just feels good in your bones. Of course a bowl of chicken noodle soup satisfies a physical hunger, but it’s more than that. It’s the comfort all of these elements together bring. We need soup for our souls. We all have daily stressors, issues at work, relationship struggles, and not to mention the fact that we are all currently trying to survive a global pandemic. Take some time. Figure out what it is that feeds your soul and do it on purpose. Do it often. Make sure you give yourself that gift of grace and self-care. I know sometimes that term “self-care” can be overused but it is so important.
If you’re an artist, pause and paint or break out those coloring pencils and go to town in a coloring book. If you love to read, give yourself a whole evening; pick up a book and dive in. You’re into music? Create a playlist that gives you those feel-good vibes, and go for a drive with the volume turned up. Pray, meditate, do yoga, or exercise. Walk your dog or snuggle with your cat. Call an old friend. Hug your parents. Or if you’re like me, pile up on the couch with a warm serving of your favorite comfort food. Whatever it is that gives your soul a good dose of contentment and joy, do it. Remind yourself that it may be cold out there in the world; there may be a million things going on in these crazy lives we live, but your soul needs soup.
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